In Hul'q'umi'num', the word for ‘partner’ or significant other is statlus, and we’re lucky enough to have a couple of statlus pairs on our crew. Mentors Thomas George Jr. and Candice Harris have been married for 14 years now, and their caring partnership is inspiring — they lift each other up, share a deep bond, and radiate that beautiful connection everyone notices when they walk into a room.
A few months ago, they told me a story that had me absolutely howling with laughter. Right then, I promised I’d tuck it away and share it for Teachings Tuesday during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Thomas and Candice had this sweet ritual — whenever they were parting ways or saying goodnight, they would lovingly say to each other:
"Nu 'stli ch."
Believing it to be the Hul'q'umi'num' phrase for “I love you,” it became their signature declaration of affection, spoken without a second thought.
Then Candice started attending Hul'q'umi'num' immersion classes last year. Imagine her surprise when she learned the actual meaning of their adoring phrase.
Nu 'stli ch?
Well... it turns out it doesn’t mean “I love you” at all. It means:
"I tolerate you."
Can you picture that moment of realization? Thomas and Candice just laughed — and kept saying it anyway, because hey, love sometimes is about tolerating each other!
So this Valentine’s, whether you're saying "I love you" or just nu 'stli ch, here's to partnerships full of love, laughter, and a bit of joyful tolerance.
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